TIDMFIPP
RNS Number : 9081A
Frontier IP Group plc
30 March 2017
RNS
AIM: FIPP
30 March 2017
FRONTIER IP GROUP PLC
("Frontier IP" "the Group")
HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE 6 MONTHS TO 31 DEC 2016
KEY POINTS
-- Fair value of the portfolio up 15% to GBP5,396,000 at 31
December 2016 (30 June 2016: GBP4,673,000), an increase of 44% year
on year (31 December 2015: GBP3,745,000)
-- Revenue from services increased 21% to GBP132,000 (2015: GBP109,000)
-- Total revenue of GBP843,000 (2015: GBP992,000) - the decrease
reflecting a lower gain on the revaluation of investments of
GBP711,000 (2015: GBP883,000)
-- Profit before tax of GBP314,000 (2015: GBP549,000) - the
decrease reflecting both the lower gain on revaluation of
investments and the increase in administrative costs to GBP529,000
(2015: GBP443,000)
-- Basic earnings per share of 1.02p (2015: 2.07p)
-- Net assets per share increased to 26.0p as at 31 December
2016 (30 June 2016: 24.9p; 31 December 2015: 23.0p)
-- Further progress within the portfolio including third
spin-out from the Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, Tarsis Technology
Limited
-- Further expansion into Portugal with the signing of a second
partnership in the region with the Faculty of Science and
Technology within the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
-- Cambridge office opened
-- Cash balances as at 31 December 2016 of GBP186,000 (30 June
2016: GBP771,000; 31 December 2015: GBP264,000)
-- Post period-end, the Group successfully concluded a
fundraising of GBP3 million, which was oversubscribed
Andrew Richmond, Chairman, commented,
"We are pleased to report another successful half-year
performance for the Group, which has seen a 44% rise in the value
of our portfolio year on year. We continue to grow the core
portfolio, with the addition of Tarsis and having secured our
second partnership in Portugal. Following our successful group
funding round, we look forward to the delivery of our
differentiated approach to building and developing our strong
portfolio."
Enquiries
Frontier IP Group Plc T: 0131 240 1251
Neil Crabb, Chief Executive
Cenkos Securities plc T: 0131 220 6939
(Nominated Adviser and Joint
Broker)
Neil McDonald / Beth McKiernan
Peterhouse Corporate Finance T: 020 7469 0935
Limited
(Joint Broker)
Lucy Williams
Kreab T: 020 7074 1800
(Financial PR)
Robert Speed, Matthew Jervois
Notes to Editor:
About Frontier IP Group plc
www.frontierip.co.uk.
Frontier IP specialises in assisting institutions and companies
in the commercialisation and exploitation of their intellectual
property. It establishes formal and informal relationships with
sources of exploitable IP, principally universities. Its core
business is building and growing a portfolio of equity stakes in
spin-out companies by taking an active involvement in the
commercialisation and funding of these businesses.
Interim Management Statement
Summary
Frontier IP's aim is to pursue growth and value for shareholders
by:
-- Generating value from its relationships through new
spin-outs, significant equity holdings, licensing income and
realisations from existing spin-outs
-- Building a portfolio capable of commercial success
-- Reviewing and extending its portfolio pipeline for sources of high-quality IP
-- Using its expertise to assist portfolio companies to grow and achieve realisations
I am pleased to report that we made good progress in laying the
foundations for growth in the first half of the financial year. We
continued to actively pursue the growth of our portfolio and this
was reflected in a 15% increase in the fair value of our portfolio
compared to 30 June 2016 and a 44% increase compared to 31 December
2015.
In line with extending our sources of high-quality IP, we were
pleased to announce in September 2016 that we had signed an
agreement with the Faculty of Science and Technology within the
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal ("FCT NOVA"). This
partnership was formed to assist FCT Nova with its spin-off and
licensing activities emerging from its research programmes and is
our second in Portugal, reflecting the Group's view that there is
significant opportunity in the region.
We have seen good progress in building the portfolio including
adding new portfolio company Tarsis Technology Limited ("Tarsis"),
in which we received a 20 per cent. stake. Tarsis is the Group's
third spin-out from the Department of Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge.
Nandi Proteins Limited ("Nandi") received recognition of the
benefits of its technology with its participation in a GBP1 million
UK Innovate funding award for a fat reduction technology research
project. Nandi is currently in the late stages of concluding a
further fundraising, which will enable Nandi to accelerate
commercial progress.
Post period-end, the Group was particularly pleased to conclude
its own successful fundraising, in an oversubscribed round raising
GBP3 million gross.
We believe the Group is now well positioned for growth and,
looking ahead, we expect to see further development in our
portfolio over the remainder of the financial year and beyond.
Results
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss at 31
December 2016 increased to GBP5,396,000 (30 June 2016:
GBP4,673,000; 31 December 2015: GBP3,745,000). Revenue from
services over the first half increased by 21% to GBP132,000 (2015:
GBP109,000) while the 15% decrease in total revenue to GBP843,000
(2015: GBP992,000) reflected the lower investment revaluations
(unrealised) of GBP711,000 (2015: GBP883,000). The profit before
tax was GBP314,000 (2015: GBP549,000). Administrative expenses
increased by 19% to GBP529,000 (2015: GBP443,000) primarily
reflecting increased staff and associated costs, the opening of the
Cambridge office and development of a new website. Basic earnings
per share was 1.02p (2015: 2.07p).
Cash balances stood at GBP186,000 as at 31 December 2016 (30
June 2016: GBP771,000; 31 December 2015: GBP264,000). Net assets
per share as at 31 December 2016 were 26.0p (30 June 2016: 24.9p;
31 December 2015: 23.0p).
Operational Review
Core Portfolio Highlights
We are pleased to report good progress in our core portfolio
during the period and certain key developments are set out
below.
In December 2016 we added new portfolio company Tarsis
Technology Limited ("Tarsis"), in which we received a 20 per cent.
stake. Tarsis is the Group's third spin-out from the Department of
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of
Cambridge. Tarsis was established to develop and commercialise
technology created by Dr. David Fairen-Jimenez, a Royal Society
University Research Fellow at the Department of Chemical
Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, and
his research team. The technology allows slower and more controlled
delivery of drugs using metalorganic frameworks (MOFs). The
pharmaceutical industry has shown early interest in the
technology.
In September 2016, Nandi and Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh
were awarded a GBP1 million grant from Innovate UK, enabling the
development of new processes and products that lead to the
availability of healthier food choices for consumers. Nandi is a
protein technology company, specialising in developing a platform
technology which improves the functional properties of proteins in
food manufacturing, creating a product which can reduce sugars,
fats and additives in end-product. Food manufacturers are under
increasing pressure to respond to rising global obesity rates and
the associated cost, both human and economic, of diet-related
ill-health - this current project is supported by industry partners
Devro plc and Kerry Group plc. Nandi is currently in the late
stages of concluding a further fundraising, to enable Nandi to
accelerate commercial progress, extend its product range and
prepare for scale--up.
Alusid Limited ("Alusid") showed good progress during the
period. ALUSID manufactures SilicaStone(R) -- an eco--architectural
material made from 100% recycled glass and vitrified ceramic that
would otherwise end up in landfill. In particular, we were pleased
to note the on-going protection of Alusid's IP with the grant of
the core patent in the US in September 2016. Further recognition of
Alusid's progress came when it won this year's IChemE Global Award
2016 for Best Business Start-Up against a shortlist of
international nominees. It also received its first commercial
order, post period-end, and is currently seeking to raise further
funds to enable it to meet projected demand.
IP Sources
In order to maintain the growth in our portfolio we continue to
work with new and existing partners to source and identify new
opportunities and are working on a range of pipeline projects.
In line with extending our sources of high-quality IP, in
September 2016 we signed an agreement with the Faculty of Science
and Technology within the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
("FCT NOVA") to assist with its spin-off and licensing activities
emerging from its research programmes. This partnership is our
second in Portugal and reflects the Group's view that there is
significant opportunity in the region. The Universidade NOVA de
Lisboa is a research-intensive university (QS Top Universities
2016) and FCT NOVA, its engineering school, has particular research
strengths in Materials, Environment, Energy, Biotechnology,
Conservation and Restoration. Frontier IP and FCT NOVA will work
together to maximise the commercial value of intellectual property
developed within or owned by FCT NOVA. Frontier IP will receive a
share of equity in each spin-off company created by FCT NOVA, as
well as a share in the licensing revenue it receives. Our
partnership aims to accelerate value creation from the research
generated within FCT NOVA and the Group is already seeing
potential opportunity in its pipeline.
Our strategy is to seek to maximise both the size of equity
stakes we receive from our sources of IP and extend our portfolio
pipeline for sources of high-quality IP. We continue to review our
partnerships, both formal and informal, for quality of dealflow and
economic viability, focusing our resources where we believe there
is significant potential value.
Corporate
In recognition of our developing a deeper relationship with the
University of Cambridge, and the region more-widely, in November
2016 we were pleased to open a Group office in Cambridge. We also
expanded the team in Cambridge with a new commercialisation
professional, who will be primarily focused on our activity in
Cambridge.
Post period-end, the Group successfully completed a placing to
raise gross proceeds of GBP3 million (the "Placing") through the
issue of 7,500,000 ordinary shares at 40 pence per share. The net
proceeds of the Placing will be utilised in accelerating the
Company's growth and developing and expanding its resourcing in
areas of key activity, both in the UK and overseas. This
fundraising will enable the Group to continue to develop and grow
its portfolio, key relationships and allied advisory roles.
Outlook
We very pleased with the momentum within our portfolio and our
business more widely. We are seeing an increase in prospects from
our sources of exceptional IP and within the core portfolio. We
look forward to reporting on further progress over the second half
of the financial year and beyond.
Our recent capital raising leaves the Group well placed to
respond effectively to, and capitalise on, opportunities in the
second half of the year.
Neil Crabb
Chief Executive Officer
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the six months ended 31 December 2016
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
Notes 2016 (unaudited) 2015 (unaudited) 2016
(audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue
Revenue from services 132 109 221
Other operating income
Unrealised profit on
the revaluation of
investments 7 711 883 1,809
Total revenue 843 992 2,030
Administrative expenses (529) (443) (900)
Profit from operations 314 549 1,130
Interest income on short-term
bank deposits - - 1
Profit before tax 314 549 1,131
Taxation 5 - - -
Profit and total comprehensive
income attributable to
the equity holders of
the parent 314 549 1,131
================== =================== ===========
Profit/ per share attributable
to the equity
holders of the parent
Basic earnings per share 6 1.02p 2.07p 4.08p
Diluted earnings per
share 6 1.00p 2.05p 4.04p
All of the Group's activities are classed as continuing and
there were no comprehensive gains or losses in any period other
than those included in the statement of comprehensive income.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
At 31 December 2016
As at As at As at
31 December 31 December 30 June
2016 2015 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS Notes
Non-current assets
Tangible fixed assets 5 1 2
Goodwill 1,966 1,966 1,966
Financial assets at fair
value through profit and
loss 7 5,396 3,745 4,673
Trade receivables 177 117 144
-------------- -------------- -----------
7,544 5,829 6,785
-------------- -------------- -----------
Current assets
Trade receivables and other
current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 399 154 223
186 264 771
-------------- -------------- -----------
585 418 994
Total assets 8,129 6,247 7,779
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (121) (128) (111)
-------------- -------------- -----------
(121) (128) (111)
-------------- -------------- -----------
Net assets 8,008 6,119 7,668
============== ============== ===========
EQUITY
Called up share capital 3,078 2,660 3,078
Share premium account 5,729 5,200 5,729
Reverse acquisition reserve (1,667) (1,667) (1,667)
Share based payment reserve 104 58 78
Retained earnings 764 (132) 450
-------------- -------------- -----------
Total equity 8,008 6,119 7,668
============== ============== ===========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the six month period ended 31 December 2016
Share-
Share Reverse based Profit
Share premium acquisition payment and
capital account reserve reserve loss Total
account
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 1st July
2015 2,660 5,200 (1,667) 45 (681) 5,557
Share-based
payments - - - 13 - 13
Profit/comprehensive
income for
the period - - - - 549 549
At 31 December
2015 2,660 5,200 (1,667) 58 (132) 6,119
---------- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- --------
Issue of shares 418 529 - - - 947
Share-based
payments - - - 20 - 20
Profit/comprehensive
income for
the period - - - - 582 582
---------- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- --------
At 30 June
2016 3,078 5,729 (1,667) 78 450 7,668
---------- ---------- -------------- --------- ---------- --------
Share-based
payments - - - 26 - 26
Profit/comprehensive
income for
the period - - - - 314 314
At 31 December
2016 3,078 5,729 (1,667) 104 764 8,008
========== ========== ============== ========= ========== ========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the six months ended 31 December 2016
Six months Six months Year
ended ended ended
31 December 31 December 30 June
2016 2015 2016
(unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash used in operations (569) (369) (805)
Taxation paid - - -
------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash used in operating
activities (569) (369) (805)
------------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed
assets (4) - (2)
Purchase of financial assets
at fair value through profit
and loss (12) (3) (5)
Interest received - - -
------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash used in investing
activities (16) (3) (7)
------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of equity
shares - - 1,003
Costs of share issue - - (56)
------------- ------------- -----------
Net cash generated from financing
activities - - 947
------------- ------------- -----------
Net (decrease)/increase in
cash and cash equivalents (585) (372) 135
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of period 771 636 636
------------- ------------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at
end of period 186 264 771
============= ============= ===========
Cash used in operations
Profit before tax 314 549 1,131
Adjustments for:
Share-based payments 26 13 33
Depreciation 1 1 2
Costs of share issue - - -
Fair value (gain) on financial
assets at fair value through
profit or loss (711) (883) (1,809)
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables (209) (55) (150)
Trade and other payables 10 6 (12)
(569) (369) (805)
============= ============= ===========
NOTES
1. General information
The Company is a limited liability company incorporated in
England and with its registered office at 78 Cannon Street, London
EC4N 6AF. The Company's main trading office is situated at 93
George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES.
The Company is quoted on the AIM market.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information was
approved and authorised for issue by a duly appointed and
authorised committee of the Board of Directors on 29(th) March
2017.
This condensed interim financial information has not been
audited or reviewed by the Company's auditor.
2. Basis of preparation
This condensed consolidated interim financial information for
the six months ended 31 December 2016 has been prepared in
accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim
Financial Reporting". The condensed consolidated interim financial
information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial
statements for the year ended 30 June 2016, which have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU.
This condensed consolidated interim financial information does
not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434
of the Companies Act 2006. The comparatives for the full year ended
30 June 2016 are not the Company's full statutory accounts for that
year. A copy of the statutory accounts for that year has been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on
those accounts was unqualified and did not contain a statement
under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
3. Accounting policies
The accounting policies applied by the Group in these unaudited
half year results are consistent with those applied in the annual
financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2016 as described
in the Group's Annual Report for that year and as available on our
website www.frontierip.co.uk. No new standards that have become
effective in the period have had a material effect on the Group's
financial statements.
Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax
rate that would be applicable to expected total annual
earnings.
4. Segmental information
The chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the
Group's board of directors. The board reviews the Group's internal
reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources.
Currently the board considers that the Group has one operating
activity, the commercialisation of University IP. All of the
Group's revenue arose in the UK.
5. Taxation
The taxation expense is recognised based on management's best
estimate of the weighted average annual tax rate expected for the
full financial year. Management expects that there will be no tax
charge arising in the year and so there is no charge to taxation
for the six months to 31 December 2016 (2015: Nil).
A deferred tax asset has not been recognised in respect of
losses in view of the uncertainty as to the level of future taxable
profits.
6. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic earnings per share for the six
months ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015 and for the year
ended 30 June 2016 is based on the earnings attributable to the
shareholders of Frontier IP Group Plc in each period divided by the
weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.
Basic earnings per share Weighted
Earnings average Basic
attributable number earnings
to shareholders of shares per share
GBP'000 Number Pence
Six months ended 31
December 2016 314 30,778,520 1.02
Six months ended 31
December 2015 549 26,601,020 2.07
Year ended 30 June 2016 1,131 27,722,650 4.08
Diluted earnings per Weighted
share Earnings average Diluted
attributable number earnings
to shareholders of shares per share
GBP'000 Number Pence
Six months ended 31
December 2016 314 31,449,663 1.00
Six months ended 31
December 2015 549 26,808,407 2.05
Year ended 30 June 2016 1,131 27,998,277 4.04
7. Financial Assets at Fair Value Through Profit and Loss
31 December 31 December 30 June
December
2016 2015 2016
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
Opening balance 4,673 2,859 2,859
Additions 12 3 5
Fair value increase 711 883 1,809
------------ ------------ --------
Closing balance 5,396 3,745 4,673
============ ============ ========
8. Copies of Half Yearly Report
Copies of the Half Yearly Report will be available on the
Company's website, www.frontierip.co.uk, and on request from the
Company's offices at 93 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3ES no later
than 3 April 2017.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR BBGDXRSDBGRC
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